Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson is proud to see Reds teammate Isaac Henry get his shot at the gold jersey as the centre prepares for a potentially emotional debut.
Henry is in line to be Wallaby #999, selected on the bench for Saturday's match against Japan in Osaka.
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The midfielder has had a wretched run of injuries, missing over a year after a ruptured patellar tendon in 2024.
Hamstring, foot and knee injuries have followed the Wests product, overcoming the setbacks to burst into the Wallabies squad.
“Everyone's so happy for him, especially the Queensland boys, to see what he's gone through over the last four or five years," captain Wilson said.
“A lot of people would have quit. I know that he probably got pretty close to it over those years but never gave up on the dream.
"He's a man of few words, Zachy, but he did have a little grin here and there. Even just speaking to him, he's still pinching himself and can't believe it.
“He reckons his dad went straight to the pub, that's how happy he was. It's nice to hear his mum and dad are flying over to see him, who have been part of a rocky journey for him, and now they get to see him play for this country.”
27-year-old Henry's selection reflects the growing trend of mature-aged selections by the Wallabies.
Ryan Lonergan, Aidan Ross and Declan Meredith were all selected for their debuts after their 26th birthday, with 31-year-old Jock Campbell recalled at the start of the season.
“It's really good because players have played a lot of club football, a lot of Super Rugby so when they come in, they already know their game and they're very self-assured of their game," Wilson believes.
“Zachy, I've got no doubt [in him] tomorrow. He's very aware of his strengths and weaknesses; he just tries to do his strengths really well and fits into the team really well.”
Wallabies coach Les Kiss has been with Henry throughout his journey, hopeful it was the start of an injury-free period for him.
"The reception he got from his mates was special. Zach has earned this right to be there on the bench and a possible debut," he said on Thursday.
“It's very pleasing to see him get this opportunity after all the work he's put into himself to be right with all the injuries he's had. I couldn't be happier for him….He’s kept working away in all of them. Touch wood it's all over now for him and he can just go forward.
“It's funny, some people have injuries very early in their career, and then it goes away; some leave it too late, and some just have a dream run. Zach has been through his now and he's got his chance to shine.”
